Wing Lake in Stony Rapids: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Wing Lake is listed under Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan. The country round it is northern bush from end to end. At some 2.64 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The perimeter runs near 23 km, so plan the walk before you start. The nearest town is Fort Smith, 415 km away. It is 807 km to Saskatoon, the nearest city. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Wing Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Reported across Stony Rapids: cisco, northern pike, round whitefish, lake chub and slimy sculpin. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The near bank of Wing Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 15°C for July and -26°C for January. The year here is short and sharp: a long lid, then a burst of open water. Ice-out usually falls in late May, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The open-water window runs from around late May to about late October in an average year. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Time your trip to Wing Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Walland Lake at 7.9 km is the sensible second choice. The position on Wing Lake is worth confirming on the day.